Ruïne van een aquaduct nabij Split before 1878

This image by Franz Thiard de Laforest captures the ruins of an aqueduct near Split. The aqueduct, with its rhythmic series of arches, stands as a testament to Roman engineering prowess and their cultural ambition. The arch, a symbol of triumph and connectivity, echoes across millennia. We see it not only here but also in triumphal arches and cathedrals, each iteration carrying echoes of past grandeur. It speaks to humanity's persistent desire to bridge divides, both physically and metaphorically. Consider, too, the ruin itself. A broken arch elicits a sense of nostalgia, of past glory dimmed by time. It’s a memento mori, reminding us of the fleeting nature of human achievement. Yet, in its decay, we see a romantic beauty, a testament to endurance. This ruin evokes a powerful emotional response, engaging our collective memory. It whispers of civilizations risen and fallen, reminding us that all things, no matter how grand, are subject to the inexorable passage of time. The symbolism of decay and rebirth is a constant cycle throughout history.